In this report, we explore trends in self-employment among parents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that for mothers of young children in particular, self-employment has increased at a notable rate over pre-pandemic levels. As entrepreneurs who are mothers face unique challenges, including intertwined financial considerations, caregiving responsibilities, and time demands, these findings highlight the need for policies, programs and practices aimed at better supporting entrepreneurs who are parenting.

This brief reviews research exploring the links between mental health and entrepreneurship. It begins by discussing the different ways that mental health issues can influence the decision to start a business and, in turn, how entrepreneurship can impact an individual’s mental health. Next it highlights different estimates of the prevalence of mental health disorders among the self-employed. It then provides examples of existing models and programs that have emerged in recent years to support the mental health of entrepreneurs and concludes with a discussion of the implications for policy, programs, and practice.

In this brief, we examine the concept of portable benefits systems and consider the ways these systems can support entrepreneurship. We review the small-scale federal, state, and local portable benefits policies and programs that currently exist, and we discuss research and thinking on these established programs, the possibilities for larger programs in the future, and the changes that will be necessary to support these broader programs.

The Kauffman Foundation continues to recognize, with urgency, the significance of the role new and existing businesses play in local, regional, and the national economy. This report continues our series of sharing the state of capital access for entrepreneurs highlighting the need for innovative products and models to improve capital delivery systems.